Contributed photo
The antics of Shrek, Delaney Williams, and Donkey, Sammy Camy, have never been more graceful than they were during The Maine Dance Academy’s show on May 9, 10 and 11.
By Natalie De La Garza
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — Over 300 talented dancers took the stage during The Maine Dance Academy’s 20th anniversary recital at the Caribou Performing Arts Center on May 9, 10 and 11 featuring the show “Shrek” as well as 20th anniversary tributes by means of returning dancers and revisited music.
“It was the most amazing set, the characters were beautiful, the dancers were excellent,” founder of The Maine Dance Academy Colleen DuPlissie said. “It was the first year that we had three sold-out shows.”
Starring in the show were Delaney Williams as Shrek, Madeline Martin as Princess Fiona, Jackie Lambert as Ogre Fiona, Sammy Camy as Donkey, Mariah Williams as Pinnochio, Chaya Karunasiri as Lord Faarquad, Nicholas Jackson as Papa Shrek, Alyssa St. Peter as Mamma Shrek, Hannah Stoutamyer as Dragon, Erika Searles as Snow White, Sam Adams as Puss-n-Boots and McKayla Soucy as Cinderella.
In addition, dancers from previous years returned for the milestone performances and brought with them memories and characters from shows past.
“They came off the stage just as happy as when they were dancing as teens,” DuPlissie said, and once the alumni performers were backstage, younger students remembered them like celebrities. “They’d say ‘Oh, that’s Mary Poppins! There’s Dorothy!’” she recalled.
Making this year’s performance bigger and better than ever, DuPlissie called in a little extra support where extra support was needed — particularly dealing with the 20-foot castle that towered over the stage. The set required engineering and metal working, and the skills of Doug Morrell from SFSE Equipment. Bryan Saucier put it together, and Andrea Peterson applied the artful paint — but it was the dancers who brought it all to life.
“I can’t say enough about my 12 seniors,” DuPlissie said proudly, “I know they’re my dancers, but it was amazing.”
The three sold-out shows were the culmination of months upon months of work — something the Dance Academy founder says couldn’t be done without the support of the greater Aroostook community.
“It does take a village to raise a child, and it’s the community support that we get at these recitals and the outpouring of love and emotion — you can tell the crowd is so appreciative of these children,” DuPlissie said. “It makes them want to be better dancers, and the support that we get from this community, the area, The County — my deepest gratitude,” she added. “The kids work so hard, the parents work so hard and it’s a huge commitment, but when we get supportive outpouring at this level, it’s the best feeling in the world.”
A photo CD from the show can be purchased for $10, and a DVD of the performance can be purchased for $25, both can be obtained by filling out an order form on www.TMDA.com.
With 20 years of every annual show being bigger and better than the last, students already broke into song — literally — about next year’s performance of “Frozen.”
“Now we have to figure out how to turn a regular castle into a frozen castle!” DuPlissie joked.
While The Maine Dance Academy will be offering a gamut of dance classes once more this upcoming season, there will be some new offerings brought about through popular requests: adult classes.
“We’ll be offering different skill levels, and adults can sign up for whatever they want — we’ll be advertising it later in July,” the dance academy owner said.
Contributed photo by Northscape Photography
Dancing en pointe during the annual recital of The Maine Dance Academy’s 20th year were, from left, Emily Sjoberg, Gracie Griffeth, Hannah Stoutamyer, Brittany Hernandez, Natalie Bates and Elizabeth Collins.
Contributed photo by Northscape Photography
Mini Troop Dancers performing in The Maine Dance Academy’s annual show, “Shrek,” included, from left, Taylor Billings, Lydia Miller, Emily Michaud, Natalie Bates, Karlee Willette, Danielle Hanson and Kaci Bates.
Contributed photo
Tiny troupe dancers performing in The Maine Dance Academy’s annual show included, from left: Isabella Harvath, Mia Peterson, Mia Carney, Kerigan Gurrette, Rachel Milliard, Sierra Beaulieu, Meg Casavant, Renee LaPointe, Annalise Jandreau, Selena Savage and Amanda Poulin.
Contributed photo Leo Kashian and Kim Griffeth
Playing Lord Faarquad, Chaya Karunasiri starred in all three shows without ever standing up.
Contributed photon by Leo Kashian and Kim Griffeth
Dancing her way through The Maine Dance Academy’s annual show earlier this month was Princess Fiona, Madeline Martin.
Contributed photo by Northscape Photography
Laughing their way through a silly song performed by Shrek and Fiona were, from left, Caitlin Fields, Liv Adams and Ava DeRier.
Contributed photo Leo Kashian and Kim Griffeth
A most-expressive gymnast, Sadie Hunter hits the mat with her smiling instructor Colleen DuPlissie pictured in the background.
Contributed photo by Leo Kashian and Kim Griffeth
Playing Ogre Fiona during The Maine Dance Academy’s annual show was Jackie Lambert.
